Fred Again.. was pretty much the perfect artist to soundtrack this new, post-COVID world. His introspective, vulnerable lyrics speak of anxiety, uncertainty and a resilient lust for life while the glitching rave offers a much-needed sense of euphoria.
2021’s debut album Actual Life made Fred Again… the hottest name in dance but he quickly broke out of that scene as well, helped by a mesmerising sunset slot at Glastonbury last year and a headline gig at Coachella 2024 alongside drum & bass hellraiser Skrillex and electro maestro Four Tet. This summer, Fred Again..’s been busy helping a number of European festivals break all-time attendance records.
It’s been a rapid rise to the top, which is perhaps why Saturday night’s headline slot at Reading Festival saw Fred Again..cling so desperately to intimacy. “Holy shit, I’m nervous,” he admitted early on during his biggest UK gig yet. The show started with him in the middle of the crowd on a floating platform for the laser-strewn “Turn On The Lights Again..” while the clever production used the various speaker stacks dotted across the arena, which made the absolutely massive audience feel as close to the action as possible.
That closeness was showcased throughout the show as well. Sarah Benaim’s tumblr poem “Explaining My Depression To My Mother: A Conversation” was turned into an atmospheric interlude while Fred Again.. encouraged the crowd to repeat the mantra “I’ll let you take a piece of me, I hope you get the peace you need” throughout the night. Then there were tracks like the chirping “I Adore U”, and the tender “Angie (I’ve Been Lost)” which were about as sappy as it gets.
Those heartfelt reflections may have been what drew people to Fred Again.. in the first place, but the restless Saturday night crowd at Reading Festival came here to party. “I know exactly how you’re feeling because this was my first festival when I was 16,” Fred Again.. told the crowd. “I still remember exactly how it feels to be out there”, with the producer doing everything in his power to make the night as memorable as possible.
The set leant heavily on rowdy transcendence and breakout tracks like “Jungle”, “Rumble” and “Marea (We’ve Lost Dancing)” caused absolute pandemonium in the crowd. The twitching “Places To Be” was urgent and fiery while the glitching “Delilah (Pull Me Out Of This)” started delicate before an explosive, firework-strewn breakdown closed out the night in epic fashion. A reprise of “Peace U Need” then sent the audience home with a sense of hope, warmth and togetherness.
A New Era for Reading Festival Headliners
Fred Again.. is an easy target for criticism. His sample-heavy style of music has seen the producer accused of being a culture vulture with many purists dismissing him as the Coldplay of dance. He’s also so posh, his family tree features a number of actual Earls. It’s hard to argue with a show that felt so massive but communal though. You can’t buy the sort of excitement that Fred Again.. inspires and despite how big things have got in recent years, his Reading Festival headline set felt like another massive step up. Surely stadiums await.
A Night of Euphoria and Emotion at Reading
Fred Again.. took the stage at Reading Festival on Saturday night, setting the scene for an unforgettable performance. The energy in the air was palpable, a mix of anticipation and excitement. Fred Again.. didn't disappoint, delivering a set that seamlessly blended his signature introspective lyrics with pulsating electronic beats, creating a truly immersive experience.
The setlist, a carefully curated blend of fan favorites and new tracks, showcased the breadth of Fred Again..'s musical talent. “Turn On The Lights Again..” kicked off the night with a blast of energy, setting the tone for a night of pure joy. Tracks like “Adore U” and “Angie (I’ve Been Lost)” brought a touch of vulnerability, resonating with the audience's own experiences.
As the night progressed, the energy in the crowd escalated, reaching a fever pitch during the electrifying performance of “Marea (We’ve Lost Dancing)”. The crowd, united in their love for Fred Again..'s music, danced and sang along, creating an atmosphere of pure euphoria. The night ended on a high note with a reprise of “Peace U Need”, leaving the crowd with a sense of hope and shared experience.
Fred Again.. delivered a performance that transcended genre, proving that dance music can be just as powerful and impactful as any other genre. His ability to connect with the audience on a deeply personal level, through both his music and his honest vulnerability, made for a truly unforgettable experience. This was a Reading Festival performance that will be remembered for years to come, a testament to Fred Again..'s unique musical vision and his ability to create a sense of community and connection.
The Complete Setlist:
Here is the complete setlist for Fred Again..'s Reading Festival performance:
- ‘Turn On the Lights again..’
- ‘Mainstage’
- ‘Danielle (smile on my face)’
- ‘adore u’
- ‘places to be’
- ‘Chanel’ / ‘A New Error’ / ‘Sabrina (i am a party)’ / ‘leavemealone’
- ‘peace u need’
- ‘BerwynGesaffNeighbours’
- ‘Jungle’
- ‘Rumble’ (Skrillex cover)
- ‘France Freestyle’ / ‘Rumble (Baby Keem cover)’
- ‘Angie (i’ve been lost’) / ‘Clara (the night is dark)’
- ‘Marea (we’ve lost dancing)’
- ‘Billie (loving arms)’
- ‘Carlos (make it thru)’ / ‘adore u’ / ‘Kahan (last year)’ / ‘stayinit’ / ‘Hannah (the sun)’
- ‘Delilah (pull me out of this)’
- ‘peace u need (Reprise)’
What's Next for Fred Again..?
Fred Again.. has undoubtedly carved his niche in the music scene, leaving a lasting impact on fans and critics alike. With his Reading Festival performance cementing his status as a major player in the world of music, it's safe to say that the future holds exciting possibilities for the artist. It will be interesting to see how he continues to evolve his sound and connect with his growing fan base. As he takes on increasingly larger stages, his music and his message of hope, vulnerability, and resilience are sure to resonate with audiences worldwide.
